Ammonia Refrigeration Foreman – Zeeland, MI

Tyson Foods, Inc.•Zeeland, MI

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Lead day‑to‑day operation, maintenance, and project coordination for the facility’s ammonia refrigeration systems. Combine hands‑on technical work with leadership in safety, regulatory compliance (OSHA/EPA/IIAR), and continuous improvement. Communicate clearly with operations, engineering, contractors, and management to keep systems reliable and production on schedule.

Requirements

5+ years industrial ammonia refrigeration experience required, including familiarity with compressor and pump rebuilds, valve trains, and control logic.
Willing and able to interpret schematics and blueprints during troubleshooting.
Proficient in the use of hand and power tools.
Willing and able to operate at high elevations
Willing and able to lift or move 75 pounds.
Willing and able to withstand changing environments.
Willing and able to operate an aerial lift and sit-down forklift.
Self‑motivated, organized, and able to prioritize under production pressures.
Willing and able to pass a physical and fit testing requirements for full face respirator use.
Effective communicator with experience coordinating contractors and cross‑functional teams.
Basic computer skills required including proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Must not have 4 or more attendance points for locations on an 8 point policy (on application date)
No written warning in the past six (6) months
No suspension on record for the last 12 months

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in food manufacturing a plus.
IIAR Ammonia Refrigeration training Preferred.
RETA/CIRO/CRST – License Preferred or willing to achieve and maintain this license
EPA TYPE Universal License Preferred
Experience with SAP systems preferred.

Responsibilities

Operate and maintain compressors, liquid pumps, purger rebuilds, valve stations, and associated controls to meet production needs. This may include shaft seal replacements, oiler and bearing housing rebuilds and servicing both Cornell CB and HT Style pumps.
Diagnose and repair mechanical, electrical, and control system faults using root‑cause troubleshooting. For example, diagnose and repair shaft seal replacements, motor alignments, rebuilds for Parker RS and Danfoss Ammonia Valve stations, transducer calibrations, slide valve calibrations, maintenance on Refrigerated Makeup Air Units etc.
Plan and execute ammonia pump‑outs, evacuations, and commissioning tasks; prepare job‑specific procedures and Piping & Instrumentation Diagram (P&ID) redlines.
Manage deliveries and containment: receive ammonia shipments, oversee oil removal, and perform safety relief valve changes.
Perform preventative maintenance and complete accurate Computerized Maintenance Management Software (CMMS) entries for work orders, inspections, and parts usage.
Train and mentor technicians and utility staff; assign work and verify quality of repairs.
Support Process Safety Management (PSM) and International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR) compliance by participating in SOP reviews, inspections, and regulatory audits.
Maintain a proactive safety culture by enforcing OSHA, EPA, IIAR, and company standards. Lead incident prevention through hazard recognition, permit control, and safe work procedures.
Ensure all ammonia work follows documented risk controls and emergency response plans.
Perform other duties as assigned by supervision.
Work closely with engineering to support projects and with operations to align maintenance windows to production needs.
Coach technicians to build internal capability and reduce contractor reliance.
Identify opportunities for system optimization and present cost‑effective solutions.